By Victoria Yakubu
The Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 11, Osogbo, Bassey Ewah, has warned residents of Osun and Oyo states against scooping fuel from fallen tankers, citing the risk of fires, explosions, serious injuries and loss of lives.
Ewah gave the warning following a fire involving a petrol tanker at Feesu, along the Iwo–Osogbo Express Road, on September 17, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP), Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Iwo mobilised police personnel to the scene after receiving information about the incident.
The officers secured the area, alerted the fire service for immediate intervention and kept members of the public at a safe distance from the burning tanker.
Ewah commended the officers and men of the Osun State Police Command for their prompt response and efforts to protect lives and property.
The AIG said the warning was also prompted by a tragic tanker-related incident in Benin City, Edo State, which underscored the dangers of approaching accident-involved tankers to scoop fuel.
He cautioned that attempting to collect petrol and other petroleum products from fallen tankers could trigger fires or explosions, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
The command urged residents to stay away from accident-involved tankers and allow emergency responders to manage such incidents.
Ewah assured residents of Osun and Oyo states of Zone 11 Command’s continued commitment to public safety, proactive policing and collaboration with other emergency response agencies to prevent avoidable tragedies.
